The identity of an alien utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) naturalized in japan

Abstract

An alien member of the Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) discovered in Japan is currently assigned to U. inflata, a native of North America. However, some morphological traits differ between the plants in Japan and U. inflata, including the apex of the floral spur and filament of the stamens. The alien plants are completely sterile, while U. inflata is capable of seed production. DNA analysis revealed that the chloroplast DNA sequences of the alien also differ from those of U. inflata in four regions. We provisionally determine the alien plants to be U. cf. platensis, a South American species with which it shares many traits.